July 4th Neighborhood Parades Are Alive and Well in Abilene [VIDEO]

s the fourth of July nears, there are a lot of celebrations going on in Abilene and the Big Country. First off, there are two neighborhood parades I’m aware of, the Amarillo Street Parade and the Hillcrest neighborhood parade. The later will take place Wednesday July 4th. There are a lot of other Independence Day celebrations going on, here’s a list of what I’ve gathered so far.

Most of the neighborhood or community festivities will take place early in the afternoon, thus leaving the evening open for the big July 4th fireworks at Nelson Park Wednesday night.

Events

Hillcrest Neighborhood Parade

This year marks the 16th Annual Hillcrest Neighborhood July 4th Parade, starting at 10 a.m. The parade starts at Campus Ct. and Bacon Dr. The public is welcome to participate in the parade, bring your bikes , strollers, antique cars, roller skates, wagons or just sit and enjoy the parade. Afterwards everyone is invited to the Hillcrest church gym for homemade ice cream and cookies. For more information call Liz Rotenberry (325) 669-9115.

Freedom Festival in Rising Star

The Freedom Festival at the Rising Star City Park begins at 10 a.m. with the parade that will go through the City Park. there will be vendors, music, water slide and bounce houses. There will also be a barbeque, hot dog and apple pie contest plus an ice cream contest and silent auction. The fireworks will begin at dark at approximately 10 p.m. For more information call (254) 643-4601.

Jim Ned Valley Celebration at Tuscola City Park

4th of July celebration and fireworks will all take place at the Tuscola City Park starting at 2 p.m. on July 4th. There will be tons of activities for everyone like checkers, volleyball, tic-tac-toe, a dunking booth plus good food and the huge fireworks display at dusk. Everyone is asked to bring your lawn chairs. If you need more information, please call (325) 201-6571.

4th of July Blowout at Woodson

The 11th Annual 4th of July Blowout is scheduled from 6:00 p.m. till 10 p.m. Come to eat hotdogs, french fries, watermelon, homemade ice cream, cotton candy and more. There will be turtle races, rolling pin contest, crazy hat contest, cir castle, Brand a awesome fireworks show just after dark. This is an alcohol free family event, at the Woodson Community Center, 1 Mile East on FM 209. For information call (325)

Heavenly Rest Patriotic Concert

The annual fourth of July Patriotic concert with the Abilene Community Band will be Wednesday starting at 7 p.m. The Patriotic concert will take place on the lawn of the Church of the Heavenly Rest located at 602 Meander. The concert is free and open to the public. For More information contact Director Joe Stephens at (325) 695-2422.

This video is of the ‘Patriotic Parade at Dyess Elementary’ in Abilene, Texas a few years ago.